New line of trips goes on sale Dec. 15, with departures beginning in January

December 15, 2015

Dec. 15, 2015 (Toronto, Canada) – Two months after announcing their partnership at a launch event in Toronto, National Geographic and internationally acclaimed tour operator G Adventures have introduced 70 trips in the new National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures line. The new group of accessibly priced, experiential tours will go on sale Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015, with departures beginning as early as Jan. 5, 2016.

National Geographic and G Adventures have similar core values, an aligned sense of social responsibility and a shared belief in the positive impact that travel can have on the world. With trips lasting from seven to 21 days and most priced from USD $1,500 to $5,000 per person, National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures will introduce travelers to an eye-opening variety of experiences that range from educational and thought-provoking to awe-inspiring and truly wild. All of the tours are designed to offer fun, hands-on exploration and meaningful encounters to travelers who appreciate having more free time and choices, but seek the structure and security that comes with traveling in a group.

“We are thrilled to be embarking on this great adventure with National Geographic,” said Jeff Russill, G Adventures Vice President for Product Innovation. “We look forward to sharing these new Journeys with consumers and agents, and we’re confident that these products will deliver extraordinarily special experiences for both the first-time and seasoned traveler.”

Each National Geographic Journey tour will be led by a knowledgeable local guide — known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) — from G Adventures; most groups will be limited to 16 guests or fewer. During these tours, travelers will have the opportunity to connect with local people and cultures while discovering places where National Geographic’s explorers and storytellers have shaped history. The 70 new itineraries include:

Explore Costa Rica: Travelers will get special access to the Monteverde Institute, a research center supported by National Geographic, and have a chance to participate in the center’s reforestation efforts. Get to know the idyllic community of San Miguel de Sarapiquí on a tour of Mi Cafecito, a G Adventures-supported coffee co-op that has helped bring economic benefits to this region through tourism. Meet with researchers on a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, co-founded by National Geographic grantee Archie Carr, to learn about the four species of sea turtles found in Tortuguero and the threats they face. 14 days; priced from USD $2,099*

Explore Kruger National Park: On this trip into South Africa’s iconic national park, travelers will go on a game drive with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Conservation Program, who will share insights into the behavior of cheetahs and other carnivores and the effort to protect them. This project, led by National Geographic grantee Kelly Marnewick, is part of the Society’s Big Cats Initiative. Seven days; priced from USD $1999*

Brazil Journey: On a journey that combines architecture and gastronomy with natural wonders, travelers will encounter the thunder of Iguaçu Falls and observe wildlife alongside a local biologist, discover the diverse flavors of São Paulo and get to know the UNESCO World Heritage site of Paraty. Next year is an especially exciting time to visit Brazil as it is poised to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Nine days; priced from USD $2699*

Botswana Safari Experience: One of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s 20 must-see places to visit in 2016, Botswana is blessed with natural wealth — and a commitment to preserve it. On this journey, travelers will hear indigenous storytellers spin folk tales by an evening fire, drift in a houseboat through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Okavango Delta and see the many elephants of Chobe National Park. 10 days; priced from USD $5,199*

Discover Sri Lanka: Travelers will delve into the ancient empires of Sri Lanka as well as its wilderness and its modern-day culture. Explore the history of ayurvedic healing with a local practitioner who will show which herbs and spices help cure common ailments. Visit the CIC Seed Farm, which works with more than 20,000 farmers in Sri Lanka to improve crop quality, and see the fortress that once guarded the ancient city of Sigiriya. Ride along with a forest ranger by jeep in Wilpattu National Park to look for leopards and learn about conservation efforts. 12 days; priced from USD $2,299*

“We are so excited to be working with G Adventures on this fantastic lineup of trips around the world,” said Lynn Cutter, Executive Vice President of National Geographic Travel. “They are different from anything else that is currently being offered: a combination of compelling itineraries, free time and options, and incredible value — along with the security and expertise of traveling with National Geographic.”

Before they depart, consumers who book a Journeys tour will receive exclusive articles and stories about the destination they are visiting from National Geographic and G Adventures. For more information, please visit nationalgeographicjourneys.com or gadventures.com/journeys.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015, G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the widest selection of affordable small group tours, safaris and expeditions to more than 100 countries on all seven continents. Powered by an international team of passionate travelers, it was the first adventure travel company to offer 100% guaranteed departures, starting in 2013. Its award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travelers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife. The intimate, authentic and sustainable approach to small-group travel introduces travelers to the highlights of a destination while offering the freedom to explore it on their own. For more information about G Adventures and its companion nonprofit, the Planeterra Foundation, please visit: www.gadventures.com and www.planeterra.org.

About National Geographic Travel

National Geographic Travel creates authentic, meaningful and engaging travel experiences through National Geographic Traveler magazine; National Geographic Expeditions; National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World; digital travel content; travel books; maps; and travel photography programs. National Geographic Traveler (six issues per year) is the world’s most widely read travel magazine and has 15 international editions. National Geographic Expeditions offers a variety of unique travel experiences led by top experts to more than 80 destinations across all seven continents. Travel opportunities include family and student expeditions, active adventures, private jet trips and voyages on the six expedition ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, as well as photography workshops, expeditions and seminars. The National Geographic Travel digital group shares its inspiring and authoritative digital content such as trip ideas, photo galleries, blogs and apps with its @NatGeoTravel community of 10 million. National Geographic Travel books bring readers curated travel advice, photography and insider tips. Follow National Geographic Travel @NatGeoTravel on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+.